Ekblad (shoulder) is expected to be available at some point between November and January, David Dwork of Local 10 Miami reports.

EDGE Analysis

General manager Bill Zito declined to give a specific timeline, but mentioned that both Ekblad and Brandon Montour (shoulder) will be out of action in October. Ekblad is recovering from shoulder surgery while also on the mend from a broken foot and an oblique tear that he played through in the postseason. With Ekblad out to begin the season, Gustav Forsling figures to take on a larger role in all situations, while Oliver Ekman-Larsson could be a candidate to pick up some power-play time.

Ekblad, who also played through a broken foot and an oblique tear during the playoffs, will undergo shoulder surgery and is expected to miss the start of training camp, per Tim Reynolds of Associated Press.

EDGE Analysis

Despite all the injuries, Ekblad had two goals, eight points, 20 PIM, 36 hits and 29 blocks in 20 playoff games while averaging 23:57 of ice time. The 27-year-old is a threat to record over 40 points in 2023-24 if he plays the full season, but his recovery from multiple injuries might throw a wrench in that. He's set to enter the seventh campaign of his eight-year, $60 million contract.

Ekblad played through a broken foot, two shoulder dislocations and an oblique tear during the playoffs, Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

The broken foot occurred during the first round, where Ekblad missed Game 4 versus the Bruins. That was his only absence during the playoffs, and he finished with two goals and six assists in 20 contests. Given the severity of the various injuries -- most notably the oblique tear -- the defenseman could be in danger of missing the start of the 2023-24 campaign.

Ekblad produced an assist, two PIM and a plus-2 rating in Thursday's 3-2 overtime win over the Golden Knights in Game 3.

EDGE Analysis

Ekblad helped out on Matthew Tkachuk's game-tying goal late in the third period. This was just Ekblad's second assist in seven games since the start of the Eastern Conference Finals. The 27-year-old defenseman hasn't been as big of a contributor from the blue line as usual with seven points in 18 playoff appearances. He's added 24 shots on net, 31 hits, 27 blocked shots and a plus-9 rating.

Ekblad scored a power-play goal and added an even-strength assist in Friday's 3-2 overtime win over the Maple Leafs in Game 5 of the Panthers' second-round series.

EDGE Analysis

The blueliner opened the scoring early in the first period, putting Toronto back on its heels in a game during which Florida never trailed. It's the second multi-point performance in the last three games for Ekblad, and he wraps up the five-game series against the Leafs with one goal and five points -- a remarkable turnaround after he failed to find the scoresheet at all in the first round against the Bruins. Ekblad may need to stay productive if the Panthers are going to get through the Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final.

Ekblad recorded a pair of assists in Sunday's 3-2 overtime victory over Toronto.

EDGE Analysis

Ekblad set up Anthony Duclair's power-play tally early in the second period, tying the game 1-1, before picking up an assist on Sam Reinhart's winner in overtime. It had been a quiet postseason for Ekblad prior to Sunday's contest, with just one point in his first eight games. The 27-year-old blueliner is also coming off a down regular season offensively, with 38 points (14 goals, 24 assists) in 71 games. Ekblad will look to build on Sunday's two-point effort, though his value is somewhat capped now with Brandon Montour taking over the point on Florida's top power-play unit.

Ekblad registered an assist in Tuesday's Game 1 win over the Maple Leafs.

EDGE Analysis

It was the first postseason point for Ekblad after he was held off the score sheet in six games against the Bruins. After setting career highs in assists and points in 2021-22, the 27-year-old blueliner's production came back down to normal levels with 14 goals and 38 points in 71 regular-season outings. It seems that drop in production has carried into the playoffs, though perhaps Tuesday's helper will spark Ekblad's offensive game.

Ekblad (undisclosed) will return to action Wednesday for Game 5 versus Boston, Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ekblad should return to a top-pairing role and a spot on the No. 1 power-play unit for Wednesday's must-win contest. He's been held scoreless through three games thus far this postseason.

Ekblad (undisclosed) is not available for Game 4 against Boston on Sunday, George Richards of Florida Hockey Now reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ekblad was injured Friday but he's been on the ice since, suggesting that he likely isn't dealing with a long-term issue. He'll get some extra time to recover before Wednesday's Game 5 matchup back in Boston. Casey Fitzgerald is expected to dress in Ekbladk's absence Sunday.

Ekblad (undisclosed) will be a game-time decision versus Boston on Sunday, George Richards of Florida Hockey Now reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ekblad departed just past the halfway mark of the second period and did not return Friday. He practiced in a full-contact jersey Saturday, and coach Paul Maurice said after practice that Ekblad would be a game-time decision. Ekblad had 14 goals and 24 assists in 71 regular-season contests, but he has yet to garner a point in two playoff games.